Introduction

Abstract

This book continues a volume 8 of a multi-compendium on Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants. It covers plants with edible flowers whose floral parts including the stalk and flower nectar are eaten as conventional or functional food and as spices and may provide a source of food colorant, additive or nutraceuticals. Functional food has been described as being similar in appearance to, or may be, a conventional food that is consumed as part of a usual diet and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions, i.e. they contain bioactive compounds (Health Canada 2002). A nutraceutical can be defined as a product isolated or purified from foods that is generally sold in medicinal forms not usually associated with foods and is demonstrated to have a physiological benefit or provide protection against chronic disease. Biologically active components in functional foods that may impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects include carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, lycopene), dietary fibres (β-glucans, soluble fibre), fatty acids (omega fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid), flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavanols, flavanones, flavonols, proanthocyanidins), isothiocyanates, phenolic acids, plant sterols, polyols and prebiotics/probiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides – inulin), vitamins and phytoestrogens (isoflavones – daidzein, genistein). Many plants with edible flowers contain many of these bioactive components and essential mineral elements (Mlcek and Rop 2011; Rop et al. 2012), carbohydrates and amino acids in the flowers and other plant parts, imparting a wide array of health benefits and pharmacological properties. According to the Global Industry Analyst Inc., global nutraceuticals market is anticipated to exceed US 243 billion by 2015 (GIA 2012). The United States, Europe and Japan dominate the global market, accounting for a combined market share of more than 85 %. Spurred by the growing affluence, rising disposable income and increasing awareness, particularly in China and India, the Asia Pacific region is projected to see significant growth in the long term. Functional foods that constitute the faster-growing segment in the nutraceuticals market are rising in popularity, as the segment offers a cheaper alternative to dietary supplements. Value-added food products that feature edible flowers offer additional marketing opportunities.